Amazon operates the AWS cloud business and ranks among the world’s largest companies by market capitalization.
Amazon Web Services, usually called AWS, is Amazon’s cloud-computing division. It provides computing power, storage, databases, networking, and other services to businesses, governments, and developers. AWS became an important part of Amazon’s financial story because cloud services can produce substantial operating income alongside the company’s large retail business.
Amazon began as an online bookstore founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994. It expanded into a broad marketplace, logistics network, digital-content provider, device maker, and subscription company through Amazon Prime. The business went public in 1997, and its long-term share-price growth helped make Amazon one of the most valuable listed companies.
Market capitalization reflects investors’ expectations about future earnings, not simply current sales. Amazon is therefore commonly listed near technology leaders even though its operations also include warehouses, delivery services, grocery stores, advertising, and entertainment. AWS should not be confused with Amazon’s retail website.